GWADAR, Pakistan (AP) — Once unfamiliar with the concept of climate change, many residents of the coastal Pakistani city of Gwadar have now come to grasp its impact after enduring a series of extreme weather events over the past decade. Last February, Gwadar was pummeled by relentless rain for nearly 30 hours, causing widespread destruction and isolation for the peninsula town. With roads and bridges washed away, homes damaged, and infrastructure disrupted, the city of approximately 90,000 people is facing the harsh reality of climate change vulnerability in a region prone to natural disasters.
Situated in Balochistan, a rugged province in southwest Pakistan known for its unforgiving climate extremes, Gwadar is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides. The city, constructed on sand dunes at a low elevation, is particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change. Hydrologist Pazeer Ahmed, based in Gwadar, warns that rising sea levels could lead to partial or complete submersion of low-lying areas in the town, likening the situation to that of an island nation.
What was once a source of livelihood and tourism for Gwadar has now become a looming threat, as warming oceans bring about larger and more destructive waves. The combination of rising sea temperatures, intensified monsoon winds, and increased moisture in the air has led to more frequent and severe rainfall events. The changing climate has led to violent waves, eroded beaches, and altered tidal patterns, resulting in the destruction of hundreds of homes along the coastline.
The melting of glaciers has further contributed to rising sea levels, exacerbating coastal erosion in areas like Pishukan and Ganz near Gwadar. While authorities have attempted to mitigate the impact through the construction of seawalls, these efforts are only a temporary fix in the face of the larger climate change crisis. As Gwadar grapples with the environmental challenges, residents and businesses are also contending with issues of saltwater intrusion, flooding, and unauthorized construction exacerbating the situation.
The city of Gwadar holds strategic importance as a key node in a major Chinese-led initiative to establish a trade route linking Xinjiang with the Arabian Sea. Despite significant investments in infrastructure projects like the deep seaport and international airport, the vulnerabilities of Gwadar to climate change remain a pressing concern. As the city’s residents navigate the dual challenges of economic development and environmental sustainability, the specter of the mysterious curse cast by climate change looms large over this coastal city.
Guarded by the Pakistani military, hidden from public view and inaccessible, Gwadar lacks a proper sewage and drainage system despite a decade of foreign investment. The town’s vulnerability is exacerbated by its porous terrain, high water table, rising sea levels, and increased rainfall, creating a perfect storm of challenges. The absence of adequate infrastructure means that when it rains, there is nowhere for the water to go.
“In the past, after rain, the water used to disappear within 10 days,” remarked Baksh. “But the rain from last year hasn’t receded. The water now rises so rapidly from the ground that if we don’t operate the generator daily to pump it out, it will flood the four walls of my home. Officials attribute this phenomenon to climate change, but regardless of the cause, the residents are bearing the brunt of this situation.”
The fishing community in Gwadar is also feeling the impact. Fish catches are dwindling, native species are vanishing, and the migration patterns and fishing seasons have shifted, according to Ahmed and Rahim. Additionally, the town is grappling with issues such as algae blooms and the influx of unwanted marine species like pufferfish. While illegal fishing and foreign trawlers play a role, the primary culprit is the escalating sea temperatures.
Due to water scarcity, people have been forced to leave areas like Dasht and Kulanch. Agricultural activities in Gwadar’s surroundings are declining as farmland disappears and livestock perish, as reported by the locals. This trend mirrors a broader pattern seen across Pakistan, where farmers are experiencing reduced crop yields and increased crop diseases due to extreme climate events like floods, droughts, and heatwaves, as highlighted by the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
“Here in Gwadar, we face heatwaves and dust storms,” Ahmed stated. “However, the most significant impact of climate change is the excess of water and its uneven distribution. If immediate action is not taken to address this issue, our only recourse may be to retreat.”
Contributions to this report were made by Associated Press data journalist Mary Katherine Wildeman. The Associated Press’ coverage of climate and environmental issues is made possible through financial support from various private foundations. AP retains full responsibility for all content produced. For more information on AP’s guidelines for philanthropic partnerships, a list of supporters, and the areas of coverage funded by these partnerships, please visit AP.org.
